Apparatus for making pulp articles.



Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

M. P. CHAPLIN.

' APPARATUS FOR MAKING PULP ARTICLES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.26.19I1.

WMW @M M. P. CHAPLIN.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING P ULP ARTICLES.

APPHCATION FILED DEC. 28. IBM.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

M. P. CHAPLIN.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

5 SHEETS SHEET 3.

M. P. CHAPLIN.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING PULP ARTICLES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.26. 19H.

1 ,1 58,635.; Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET 4.

M. P. CHAPLIN.

APPARATUS FORMAKING PULP ARTICLES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26. I911.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

To aZZ wit-om it may concern..-

liBe it knownthat I, MERLE P. -CHAPLTN, a citizenof the United States, residingat Fail-field, Maine, have invented an Improve mentin Apparatus for Making Pulp Arti- 1 cles, of which the following description, in

- connection with the accompanying drawing, is a spec fication, like characters on the "In my prior application, NoL-564,917 ,filed a 'June 4, 1910, is illustrated and described an.

.' acteristic features of the' present invention,

' drawing representing like, parts. =1

' This inventionrelatestoan apparatus for vl makingpulp,articles,-such for example, as pie plates, butter trays and other articles apparatus having many of the broad char- .andth'e present application is a continuation of the said prior application so faras the subject matter of the two is common, and the broaderclaims will be made in the pres: ent application. 1

. This-invention presents a number of novel features in an apparatus of this character, as

will beseen from the accompanying draw ings,and these features will be particularly "pointed out in the appendedclaims.

Inmyprior application the molded article was discharged directly from the pivoted.

., v or swinging mold member to the conveyer o'rreceiving .device, but in the form ofthe f invention illustrated in this applic'ationja transferring device first receives'the molded article and then, swinging-gin, a vertical plane, depositsjituponthe c'o eyer. This enables the moldedarticle to hollow side upward upon the conveyer, and

it is found that the article dries best in this i .position. In its broader aspect, however,

, the invention is not restricted to any partic- 40:5:

'filar form of receiving device, and'this term hoth such devices ,.or any other suitable'device for receiving the completed article. I

The compressing device of this invention is arranged to provide a. separate and independent cfimpressor for each of the .said mold members, so that the compressing a'ction may be' substantially uniform? in each "case.

Specification of Letters Patent.

aid with its may include" either the transferrer, conveyer,

MERLE r. C APLI or rm tjrmtp, MAINE, AssIeiioRmo KEY-Es FiBRE COMPANY, or

' WATERVILLE, MAINIE 1,--A CORPORATION or MAINE.

nr'rnnarus ronlmnxmei P L P narrows.-

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

"Application me h l December 26 1911.- serial .h'oi 667,944.

- frame without disturbing the lateral position thereof.

The drawings show a preferred form of machine embodying the invention-.-

In the drawings Figure 1 is a view chiefly in vertical. central cross section of-the entire apparatus. Fig.2 is a front elevation of the apparatus with some of the parts removed and some broken away, this viewbein g jtakenjfrom apoint close to the vat; Fig. 3 is a front elevationof the extreme front portion of-the apparatus with the vat and the parts directly above omitted. Fig.

ring device, these members being shown separated. Fig. 5 .is a vlew in transverse cross section of the apparatustaken above the top port memberwith parts of the apparatus removed. Fig. .6 is a perspective View showing the port' members and valve member for. controlling the compression and suction in the, mold members. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a portion of the apparatus partially in inverted cross section to show' the floating wedge in its cooperation with the pulp receiving or forming'mold' member. Fig. 8

- is a top plan view partially in transverse cross section of a portion of the construetion shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the central portion of. the main. shaft and "frame of the apparatus, to show the device for centering the shaft. Fig. 10 is an end elevation-partially vertical. cross section, of'the construction shown inFi'g. 9. i

In the form of the mach ne illustrated the pulp vat is supported on a suitable base on frame having standards extending to the' floor, while the transferring apparatus issupported on a secondary frameahavi-ng 1ndependent standard s extending to the floor.

The pulp vat .1 is supported on a base resting upon the'floor, and. this vat -1s of {generally rectangular shapefi'To accommodate the particular frame shown, the rear portion 3 of the vat is-considerably narnowe'r than the front portion l, which must be sufiicie'ntly wide toallow for the submersion of all the pulp receiving mold mem bers. The vat is also shown as cut away 4 is a p'erspectiveview .of 'the'm'embers carry'ing the ports and-valves for controlling thecompression and vacuum in the transferflanges 23, braced by the vertical webs '24.

The vertical webbed standards 25 are 86- at the lower right hand corner 5 to allow the passage of the shaft coiipera'ting with the transferring device. The rear portion 3 of the vat enables it to hold a considerable quantity of pulp and provides a place for the vacuum hose 6, which aids in keeping the pulp in agitatidn and thus in homo-' geneous condition. The supply of liquid pulp is maintained in the vat by ordinary means, which it is unnecessary to describe or illustrate- The main portion of the frame of the ma-' Y chine in the form shown is supported by six standards, two of which are shown as round columns 7 and 8 rising vertically from the.

base near the rear cornersjtwo as square columns 9 and 10 rising vertically from the the flanged bearing caps'28 bolted thereto. A horizontal shaft 29 is mounted at each of said bearings-and extends transversely of.

" and above the cross .bar 16 near each end.

base directly behind the front portionfl of the vat, and the' other two of which are shown as angle irons 11 and 12 rising vertlcally from the floor and well at the front of the machine. The columns 9 and 10 terminate at their'upper end.in extended caps 13 .and 14, and the columns 7 and 8 in' extended caps 15. -A heavy cross bar 16 of rectangu- 7 lar cross section, open at thetop 1s provlded with laterally projecting flangess l'l' onvits front face resting on and secured to the caps 13 and 14, and laterally projecting flanges 18 on its .rear face resting'on and secured-to the caps 15. These flanges projecting from the cross bar 16 are braced by suitable vertical webs 19. v

The hollow cross bar16 contains the main shaft 20 supported in suitable bearings 21 "connected to the interior of the-cross bar, and is 'driven from-any suitable source of. power by the pulley 22. The cross bar.16 near its end is provided at each side at the] top with outward extending horizontal cured by means of their horizontal outward extending flanges 26 to the said flanges 23 at each side and at each end of the cross bar, and horizontal bearings 27 are formed partly in the tops of these standards and in Each shaft 29 has rigidly mounted thereon between the bearings worm wheels- 30 which extend downinto the hollow cross bar and each of these wor'mwheels is" driven in an opposite direction by the right and left hand worms31 therebetween and fast on the main shaft 20. At the front' the shafts 29, which are thus driven" from the mainshaft 20, are

provided with crank arms 32,. which,-as will be explained, give'up and down movement to the molds, while the rear end of one of these shafts 29 is provided with a beveled gear 33 engaging and driving a beveled gear -34.on

.the upper end of a vertical shaft 35' having 7 its lower bearing 36,0n the base 2, and its upper bearing '37 bolted to one of the rear standards 25. This vertical shaft 35, was will be explained, operates the means for controlling the admission of compression and' vacuum to the mold members, and also operates the transferring device and the means for controlling the admission of compression and vacuum thereto. s

In the operation of the machine the members of each mold move simultaneously but in different paths. The pulp-receiving moldmember as t rises from the vat meets the :compressing mold member on its return from having dischafged a previous plate to the transferring device, and the. two moldmembers-continue their movement between thepompressing device to form" the plate.

On the return movement the pulp-receivin mold member moves down into the pulp,' 5 while the compressing mold member moves down to deliverits plate to the transferring device. w 1

In'the construction shown herein, the pulp-receiving mold" memberfior-the member upon which the pulp is formed, is the male member, and movesverticallyin a'path 'be-* tween the vat and the compressing device, while the other member which compresses the plateis of the female type and is pivoted with respect to 1 the pulp-receiving -mold member, and moves "in apath between the transferring device and the compressing deby the vertical webbed struts .42. This frame is givena-rising and falling movement by 'means of links 43'pivoted at their lower ends t0-9PPosite ends of the cross bar 38 and "at their-[upper ends to the crank arms 32 all:

ready described. -It will be remembered that the crank arms .32 rotate in opposite d1rec-, tions, and thus a steady-and ev'en movement,

is imparted to themold-carrying frame, the molds rising and falling evenly and without? tipping. Y The balanced and symmetricalre lation of the parts is further secured by the provision of a centering device for the main shaft 20. A suitable-form of centering de-- vice is illustrated in detail'in Figs. 9 and 10 of'th'e drawings. A drum 44 is ri' 'dly connected to the. shaft 20, preferablya the center of Said shaft. -The opposite vertical inside' wa'lls of the hollow cross bar- 16 are provided with hor-i:

zontally extending shelves 45, and each end 1 I horizontally fianged- 'vertical adjusting plates 47 are mounted atfeach sidethe drum "each vertical flange '46 and abut against the.

edge of theadjacent flange 48. It will thus-fvalves for controlling the suction and comv shelves 45.

44 with their flanges 48' resting on the Adjusting set screws 49, provided' with lock nuts 50 are mounted one in be seen that by means of these adjusting set screws the central position of the'shaft may 'be accurately maintained at all times. The

,flanges 48 are provided with longitudinal slots 51 and set screws 52 pass thereth'rough intothe shelves 45', by means of which aded positions. I

The lower cross bar of the vertically movcarries abeve'led gear 7 0 intermeshing with -a beveled gear 71 niounted-on'the-shaft 35.

Thus it will be seen that the shaft 63 is ro-' tated from the shaft 35 whatever may be the vertical position of the shaft 63.

able mold-carrying frame is hollow, and on' itsface are mounted over suitable apertures therein the mold-receiving -members '53 herein represented as male members, adapt-.

, edto conform tothe inside of a hollow article such as a pie plate. These members are apertured throughout and coveredwith suitable reticulated material such as fine wire gauze. A ring 'or raised ledge 54 surrounds the mold member and defines the edge of the dish or plate, and as illustrated, the wire gauze may be clamped at its edge to the mold member 53 by this ring 54,

The opposing, mold members 56 are con-- structed similar to the mold members 53, but are of the female type, "and when inclosed osition fit at their edges within the ring 54. %ach of these mold' members is mounted upon an arm 57, and each arm is independently hinged or pivoted at 58 to the upper cross bar 38 of the vertically movable moldcarrying frame, so that the mold member carried thereby may be swung into and out of cooperation with the'opposing mold member. A hollow 'chamber 59 is formed in the lower end of each swinging arm 57 behind the perforated face of themold member, and small drainage valves. 60 are provided therefor.

Suction or compression is applied to each mold 'member asrequired-during the operation of forming the plate or other article.-

This is secured in the device illustrated by the following construction.- The lower hollow cross bar 39 is extended at the rear central portion to present vertically alined bearings 61, 62, and in these bearings the vertical shaft 63 is rotatably'mounted. This shaft passes through a beveledgear 64, the hub 65 of which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 66 projecting from the front face of the main cross bar 16, and this gear 64, is keyed to the,

shaft 63so that the shaft while reciprocating through the gear may be rotated by it. This beveled gear 64 intermeshes with a beveled gear 67 onthe end of the shaft68, supported in bracket 69 from the bottom of the cross 65 bar 16. The other" end. "of the shaft '68 v diagrammatic form. justing plates 47 are locked in their adjust- Connections for producing. suction and compression in the mold members and the pression may be observed invertical secwhich represents the maini'elements in perspective, separated and in somewhat of a Those portions of the extension from the rear of the lower cross bar 39, in which are formed the bearings 61 and 62, areienlarged to form what may be designated as .port

members. ,The' upper port member. containing the bearing 62 presents a flat upper surface 72, see Fig; 5, and is provided with three ports suitably positioned and passing therethrough, to wit, the'port 73 connected at the under side of theport member with a pipe 74 leading to a suitable source of compressed air; port 75 connected at the under side of the port member by a passageway 76 in the extension from the cross bar 39 to the hollow interior thereofeonnecting with the hollow recess behind the perforated faces of the male mold members; the port 77 connected at the under face of the port member to a pipe 78 extending down to the lower port member. From thepipe 78 a branch pipe 79 extends as shown in Fig. 1 to a cross pipe 80 running parallel with the cross bars 38'and 39 and between the same; From the cross pipe 80 flexible connecting pipes 81 extend and are connected respectively to the chambers 59 in the rear of the perforated faces of the female mold members. The lower port! member containing the bearing provided on its upper side with a chamber 83 with which the pipe 78 is connected. A port 84.extends from the lower surface of 82 to the chamber 83, thence through the pipes 78,

the hollow interior of the arm 57 behind the female mold member. A second port 85 exmold members.- V

Upper and lower valve members are mounted on 'the shaft 63. The lower valve member ,86. presents an upper flat surface 61 presents a lower flat surface 82, and is 79 and 91 through a flexible connection to tends throughvthe lower port member and connects to the chamberbehind the male large chamber 88, the wallsof which fit snugly against the edge of the lower port member, and this chamber is connected with the 'vacuum'hose 6, in turn connected with '92, 93 and 94. opening a suitable apparatus for maintaining a vacuum. The uppervalve member 89 presentsia' lower flat surface 90 fitting snugly against the upper surface of the upper port member, and is provided'with an extended segmental chamber '91 and with three ports from saidchamber through the surface 90."

The lower valve member 86 is' keyed as shown-at- 95 to the shaft 63 and held in vertical-position thereon by thenut 96. Di-

rectly above the upper valve member an adjusting sleeve 97 is keyed as shown at 98. to

the shaft 63 and is provided with a depending lug 99 extending down between lugs 100 projecting up from the upper valve member 89, and set screws 101' mounted on the lugs '3 :100 and abutting against the lug 99, 'provided for aradial adjustment of the upper ;valve with respect to the shaft 63. A disk or washer 102-is mounted above the adjustingsleeve 97, and'springs 103 are introduced therebetween. Lock nuts 104 are screwed onto the shaft. 63- above thedisk 102, and

thus it ',will be seen that by adjusting the" lock nuts 104 the upper and lower valve members are drawn into close and yielding contact with the upper and lower port members respectively.

. The shaft 63 is made. in two sections,

united byasuitable form of flexible joint in order that any strains imparted to the frame carrying the mold membersduring its reciprocajtion may not be imparted to the gear 64. This flexible joint is shown as comprising'sleeves 105 and 106 intheupper and.

lower ,sections of the: shaft 63 respectively, and an intermediate disk 107 provided with apertures .into'which pins extend from the sleeves 105 and 106 and fit loosely, the sectional viewin Fig. 1 showing only the pins extendingfromthe upper sleeve.

The position and side of the verious ports and chambers just described are determined by the timing ofthe operation of the machine, and may be readily calculated. Their size andrel'ative position and arrangement are shown JWlth approximate accuracy'in Fig.6. In the operation of the machine the frame, carrying the 'mold members ,descends, the shaft 63 sliding through the gear 6.5

' until the male mold member is immersed in the pulp, the female mold member swinging male mold members until the frame has reached its uppermost position and is ready to begin the next descent. During'the main v portion 'of this movement the port 84.- is' closed by the upper surface of the lower valve member.

7 As the mold members come together at the end of the ascent the port 87 passes over the port 84: and suction is produced through the connections 78-and 79, the port 77 being closed, in the chambers 59 behind the female mold members, and this suction is maintained until the ends of the next descent when the female mold members are in the position shown in dotted lines. At the end of the first ascent the two mold .members are brought together and squeezed by thecompressing device, suction-then being applied to both mold members in carrymg off the water expressed as. the molds startto. descend. On the next descent the upper surface ofthe. lower valve member closes the port 85 and the ports 73 and 75 are connected 'momentarily through "the ports93 and 91 and the chamber 91 in the upper valve member, causinga puff of compressed air in the male mold members which, together with the suction acting behind the female mold members, transfers the plate from the male to thefemale mold members.

Then on the'second descent the operations are repeated, suction being maintained in the female mold members until they attain the position indicated'in dotted lines, and the plate is to be transferred therefrom, when the port 84 is closed by the lower valve member .and compression momentarily applied to the female mold members by the connection of the ports 73 and77 with the ports 93 and 92 through the chamber 91.

Powerful compression is applied to the mold members as they come together at the end of their ascent by a compressing device based on the principle of a toggle joint backed by powerful springs. A rigid back-' ing; frame is built up behind the vertically movable mold carrying frame at its upper position. This backing frame is shown as comprising a plurality of horizontally po- -sitioned eye beams 108, therear flanges 109 of which are secured to a heavy plate 110,

in turn secured to the columns 7 and 8. A pair of oppositely disposed channel irons 111 are secured to the columns 11 and 12,

and backing plates are mounted at each end 7 of these channel irons adjacent the columns 11 and 12. Heavy rods 113, four of which are shown at each side of the machine connect the plates 110 and 112, and are adjustably. positioned by means ofthe lock nuts 114. I I

The horizontal webs 115 of the channel irons are still further-strengthened against lateral thrust by heavyjsteel plates 116 ar-' ranged parallel therewith. Acompressirig device is provided for each pair-ofmold members so that each may be independent of the other. One ofthese devices is shown in cross section in Fig. 1. It'comprises 2. cy-

lindrical casing 117- -.prov ided with upper irons .115 and plates116, so as to be firmly held in position thereon. A bearing head 119 is fitted longitudinally iii the end of the and lower flanges 118 bolted to the channel cylindrical casing toward the mold. This head 119 is provided'with an extended shaft- 120which passes through a cap 121 screwthreaded into the 'end'of the cylindrical casing-117. The shaft 120 is screw-threaded at its upper end and has mounted thereon adjusting nuts 122.. Powerful coiled springs,"

' v 123 and 121 surroundthe shaft 120 and seat 1 desired.

' thereof. This is secured by screwing the cap 121 into and outv of the cylindrica'l.cas-

ing as required. A link .125 is pivotally connected at 126.in'the bearing head 119 in the back and at'the center to the lower end of the swinging arm 57 .directly back ofthe center of the female mold member.

It will thus be seen that as the vertically movable mold-carrying frame rises from the pulp vat, theswinging mold member guidedby the-link 125 will closetowardthe fixed mold member. When the mold members reach the upper limit of their travel the link 125 will assume a horizontal position, pressingthe mold members together with great force between the rigid backing formed by the eyebeams 108 and the powerful coiled springs 123 and 124.

During the latter' portion of the upward movement of the moldcarrying frame it must slide over the rigid backing under in-,

creasing pressure until the uppermost limit is reached, and during the beginning of the descent under similar but reversed pressure.

It is necessary, therefore, that there shall be provision for lubrication to take care of this sliding movement, but it is necessary to guard against the oil or other lubricant getting into the vat or pulp, or being carried down into' it by reciprocating parts of the apparatus.

It'is also desirable toprovide adjustingv means for maintaining the line of reciprocation of the shaft 63% nearlyvertical as possible,notwithstanding any wear of the reciprocating parts with respect to .the rigid backing. To secure these results the construction is provided shown in detail in Figs. 7 and 8, and in which the chief element may be termed a floating wedge. These float-' ing wedges are provide at intervalsbetween the rigid backin and the vertically movable "mold-carrying rame. To the face 'ofthe 1 "eye beams 108 in each case is bolted a vertical guide frame 128. 'A vertical guide way 129 1s formed in the-face of the guide frame,

to the guide-way. The rear of the. vertically and overlying vertical plates 130.; ar'e'bolted movable mold-carrying frame opposite to the guide-way 129 is provided with avertical track 131 having .its surface inclined v downwardly-and toward the guide-way. -A floating wedge 132, preferably somewhat longer than the guide-way'has a rear flange 133 fitted and sliding in the guide-way 129,

and a forward flange 131 formed parallelto;

the-face of the track 131 and adapted to cofoperate therewith. This floating wedge is provided with rearwardly and forwardly extending projections l35i'and 136, and in" these projections are mounted vertically.adjustable set screws 137 and 138 respectively.

' These set screws atthe proper time are conv nected with a suitable horizontal surface on the guide frame and on the vertically movable mold-carrying frame respectively. The

- operation of this feature will be apparent.

As the vertically movable mold carrying frame descends the set screw 137 and "the floating wedge will come incontact with the upper face of the guide frame 128, and the mold-carryingframe will continue its descent into' the pulp, leaving the floating wedge behind. Upon the. ascent of, the

mold-carrying frame it will come into contact with the set screw; 138, which will be so adjusted that when this contact-takes place the floating wedge will fillthespace between, the mold-carry'ing frame .and the" guideframe, and upon the continued upward movement of the mold-carrying frame it will carry withit the floating wedge and the rear flange 133 and the floatingwedge will .slide'fin the guide-way 129. "Suitable lubricant may be applied between the flange 133 and the guide-way 129, and lubricant will be;

unnecessary between the flange 134 and the track 131.

form the plates or other articles fromliquid pulp and leave them in moist condltion on The apparatus thus fan described will.

the face of the swinging mold member.

The plates in this condition are soft and moisture. It is necessary that they should next' be subjected'to-a drying operation to remove this moisture. ,In the preferred use of the invention a drying apparatus is employed through which the plates or other articles are carried upon an endless belt or belts. Such a belt is shown at 139, passing about a pulley 140, Fig. 1, arrangedat a suitable point adjacent the I moldlng ma chine. The plates must be discharged from the swinging mold members upon the belt,

and as a preferred means for securing this result a transferrmg apparatus forms a part of the invention and is shown more par--- 115. delicate and contain a large amount of" 50 the pivotedmold member reaches its -.lower I most,p'osltion, as indicated-in dotted lines,

ticularly Figs. 1 and 3. This transferring apparatus is providedwith a plurality 1 plate from the pivoted mold member to the of movable transferring arms, one for each pivoted mold member, and suction and compressed air operate through these transferring arms to aid in the transfer of the conveying belt i V A pair of vertical'standards 141 and 142 are secured to the floor Or'other'suppOrt in front of the pulp vat and beneaththe compressing device. These standards a upper ends are provided with incline ways 143, and blocks 144 are mounted to slide in these ways. On each standard a rack 145 is arranged below and parallel with the way 143. A hollow shaft 146 is pivotally mounted in the blocks 144 and extends.trans-' versely between the standards.- This hol-' low. shaft is secured thereto at intervals. The hollow transferrer arms 147 are provided at their ends with pick-off heads 148,

there being one transferrer arm and pick-off head for each pivoted mold member mounted to swing in line therewith. A gear 149 is secured to the shaft '146 at each end thereof, and coiiperates with the respective racks 145. A shaft 150 is j ournaled at its ends in the standards 141 and 142 near the base thereof, and-extends parallel with the shaft 146. Crank arms 151 and 152 are rigidly connected to the shaft 150 at each end there 4 ofyextend upwardly therefrom and are connected by links 153 with the blocks 144' so that when the shaft 150 is rocked the blocks v144 will he slid in the. ways, causing the shaft 146 to movebodily parallel with itself and at the same time to rotateupon its own ,flX1S,

The. movement of the shaft 150 is caused by a grboved cam 154 mounted upon a shaft 155 ournaled in a suitable standard 156, and

.- "atedL The cam 154 1s so shaped that the' having at its opposite ends 'a-beveled gear 157 engaging with another beveled gear 1:58 at the lower endof the shaft 35, from which shaft the transferring device is .thus opertransferrer armsl47' are swung over beneath the positionof the pivoted mold members -56 sho'wn in dotted lines in Fig. '1. When the transferrer arm rises to cause the pickofi' head tocontact with'the bottom'ofqthe plate,held'therein. At the timeoflcontact suction takes place in the pick-off head and the pivoted mold memberf The plate is thus transferred tothe pick-off head on the transferrer arma' The transferrer arm now recedes slightly to enable: the pivoted mold member toihaveits movement without in terferingtherewith, and vthereafterv the-- a puff of compressed air is blown throughransferrer armswings over until the pick- .off head is directly above the. conveyor belt,

146, to whic {various pickfi' heads of the transferrer arms. I I

when the suction is cut off and compression discharges the plate onto the conveyer belt.

The mechanism for securing proper action of suction'and compressed air in the transferring device is located on the standard 156, as shown in'Fig. 1. The details of construction of the port members and valve member which go'to make up this device are shown in Fig. 4 in perspective. The device comprises a central valve member 159 keyed at 160 to the shaft 155, and two port;

members-161 and 162 fitting snugly against the opposite faces of the valve member respectively. These port members are pro.

from to a suitable source of compressed air.

The port member 161 is provided with two ports 168 and 169, the latter being .connected by the pipe 170 toa suitable'apparatus for producing ,vacuum, the-former being. connectedby the pipe 171 having a flexible section 172 with the end of the hollow shaft connection is made with the The rotating 7 vided in its face adjacent the port member 161 with a segmental chamber 173 concen-' 'tric with the ports 168 and 169; A port 174 leads from the oppositeface of the valve member into this chamber. The ports and chambers are so arranged and timed that as the valve member 173 rotates in the direc tion of the arrow the chamber 173 covering the ports 168 and 169,.- and theport 174v being covered by the face of the port member-162, vacuum will be formed in the transvalve member 159 is proferringdev-i'ce. But as the rotation of the valve member continues, at'the proper time the rear end of the chamber 173 will pass through the port 169,-thus cutting off the vacuum, and when the port'174 comes into linewith the port. 166 a nil of compressedair willpass through into the port'168, and thus into the transferring device; The proportion and timing of the portsand cham- -loers to' secure the proper results will be read ly made according to the construction of the machine, but the-illustration in Fig. 4

It will be noted that the mold members reciprocate in two paths, the pulp receiving shows with approximate accuracy the arrangement for the machineiillustrated'.

. mold members reciprocating in a vertical path-between a position in-the compressing device to a position in the pulp vat, while the coepera'ting mold membersvreciprocate or oscillate in a curved path between the compressing device and the receiving de-' p The connectionjof the vacuum to the bottom' of the mold carrying frame by the flexible hose 6. secures a perfect drainage at all times ,and whatever may be the verticalposition'of the molds. All air admitted is admitted above thevacuum connection.

The result-is tha't any water soakedy from the moist-articles by .the vacuum is. drawn off by the vacuum hose and there is no danthrough the articles-being formed in the. mold. It will also benoted that the entire systemfof ports and valves for controlling L the admission of compressed air or vacuum ,to the mold members is quite separate-and distinct from the mold members themselves j system shall travel with the mold members per of water being blown back into or forced and is'connected by passageways to the mold members or chambers in the rear thereof, and that it is notjnecessary to the invention in its broadest aspect that this or-be located .in the particular location herein shown so long as it is suitably connected'with the mold members or the chambers in the rear thereof and supplies the compressed air and vacuum at the proper times, as hereinbefore set forth. It will also be not ed-th at the movement of the transferring device herein illustrated and described enables the pick-off head .148 to travel with the female mold member, thus enabling the pick-off head to enter the female member, contact with the plate or other article there- 'in and travel therewith. The female mold member is in'constant motion except momentarily' at its uppermost and lowermost positions, and this motion involves not only' an up and down movement but a movement horlzontally, these movements being comb ned into one-1curv1lmear movement. The

construction shown enables the transferring device to have asimilar' movement while entering the female mold member, taking the plate or other article and withdrawing therefrom.

The invention having been fully described, what is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, .is': I 1. In an apparatus of the class described, a mold comprising two members,'apulp vat, a compressing device, a receiving device, meansto move one mold member in a path between the vat and. the compressing device, and means to move concurrently the other mold member in a path between the pressing device;

recei vinggdevice and the compressing de-' vlce.

q 2. In an apparatus'of the class described, a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat, a compressing device, a receiving device, means to cause the simultaneous movement of the said-members, one between the vat and the compressing device, and the vother between the receiving device'and the com- 3. In an apparatus oftthe class described,

a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat, v

a compressing device, a conveyer, a transferring device, supports for the said mold.

members pivoted together to allow the cooperative action of the said members, means to' give a bodily reciprocatory movement to said' pivoted supports, means to guide the one member in its reciprocations between positionsin the pulp vat and in the compressing device, and means to guide the other member in its reciprocations between pOsitions over the transferring device and m the compressing device.

4-. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a compressing device located above the pulp vat, a receiving device, a

mold member, means to reciprocate it vertica'lly between the compressing device and the. pulp vat, a second complemental mold member pivotally mounted on the said first member to swing into and out of cooperation therewith, and means for directing the said swinging movement of the said second mold member to cause it to engage with the first mold member upon entering the compressing device and to swing away from said first mold member to a position over the receiving device upon the movement of the first mold member into the pulp'vat. I

5. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a receiving device at one side thereof, horizontally-arranged fixed and movable abutments located respectively above the vat and the receiving device, a mold member, and means for reciprocating it in a vertical path between the pulp vat and the said fixed abutment, a cooperating mold member. pivoted to said .first mold member, a link pivoted to the movable abutment and to the cooperating mold member, and means for exerting pressure upon the' movable abutment when the said link and mold member are in line between the abutments.

6. In an apparatus of the class described,

a mold comprising two members, a hori er, means to bring the mold members together to compress the pulp thus deposited,

means to separate the mold members, means to transfer the compressed layer of pulp 'onto the second mold member, means to move said mold members into and out of cooperative relation, means to deposit a layer of pulp upon one mold member, means "to bring the mold members together to compressthe pulp thus deposited, means to separate said mold members, means to transfer the compressed layer of pulp onto thesec 0nd mold member, a conveyer, a transfer ring device movable from receiving to discharging position and having its discharging position over the conveyor, means to carry the second mold member after receiving the layer of pulp into a position over the receiving position of .the transferring device, and means to eject the pulp article from the second mold. member onto the transferring device. v

8. In an apparatus of the class described, a mold comprising .twomembers, means to move said mold members into and out of cooperative relation, means to deposit a layer of pulp uponone mold member, means to bring the mold members together to compress the pulp thus deposited, means to separate said mold members, means to transfer the compressed layer of pulp onto the second mold member, a conveyer, a transferring device movable from receiving to discharging position and having its dischargmg position over the conveyer, means to carry the second mold member after receivl "compressed air-and vacuum connections to pulp-thereon, means for bringing the saiding the layer of pulp into a position over the receiving position of the transferring device, means to eject the pulpar-ticle'from the second mold-member onto the transferring device, and means for retaining the pulp article on the transferring device during the movement thereof from receiving to discharging position.

9. In an apparatus of the class described,

a pulp vat, a mold comprising two members,

a compressing device, a receiving, device,

each mold member, meansfor controlling the action of the compressed air andkvacuum wh'ere by a layer of pulp is sucked onto the i i from to the second mold member and dis first mold 'member and transferred therechargedfrom the secondmoldmemberto the receiving device, means for operating the mold members to cause one mold member to enter the pulp vat to receive the layer of mold membersinto the compressing device,

-' and means'acting uponv the withdrawal of the said mold members from the compress.-

ing .device .to carry the cooperating mold vat.

member to a position over the receifing devlce, whereby the article transferred thereto from the first mold member may ,be ejected therefrom onto the receiving device.

10. In an' apparatus of the class described, a mold comprising two members, a pulpvat, a compressing device, a receiving device, means to reciprocate one mold member in a path between the vat and the compressing device, and means to reciprocate the other mold member in a path between the receivmg dev ce and the compressing device.

11. In an apparatus of the class described,

a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat,

a compressing device, a receiving device, means to cause the simultaneous 'reciproca tion of the said members, one betweenthe vat and the compressing device, and the other between the receiving device and the compressing device.

'12. In an apparatus pf the class described,

a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat, I a compressing devlce, means to move one mold member in a path between the vat and the compressing device, and means to move the other mold member concurrently in a path between the compressing device and a discharging position exterior of the vat to V I prevent it 13., In 'an'apparatus of theclass described,

a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat,

in its movement from entering the a compressing device, means to reciprocate one mold member in a path between thevat one between the vat and the compressing de.-.

vice, and the other between a discharging .position exterior of the vat and the compressing device.

15. In an apparatus of the class described,

a mold comprising two members, a pulp vat,

means to reciprocate said members simultaneously, and'means to guide one member into the vat and to prevent the other member from entering the vat.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold-carrying frame mounted thereover, a pluralitj of pulp reclving mold members mounted on said frame, a plurality of cooperating mold I members pivotally mounted on said frame toswingintoand out of cooperative relation; with the pulp receiving,mold members, a

receiving device, means for simultaneously swinging the cooperating. mold members away'from thereceiving members-and over the receiving device .upon the downward movemerit of-the sald'frame, whereby the ing frame mounted thereover, a plurality of a formed articles may be discharged from the cooperating mold members on to the receiving device and the pulp receiving mold members may alone enter the vat.

' 17. In an apparatus of the class described,

a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold-carrypulp receiving mold members mounted on said frame, a plurality of cooperating mold members pivotally mounted on said frameto swinginto and out of cotiperative relation with the pulp receiving members, and a compressing'device provided with means for independently pressing each pair of mold members together at the end of the upward movement of the frame.

18. In an apparatus ofthe class described, a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold-carrying frame mounted thereover, a plurality of pulp receiving members mounted on said frame, a plurality of cooperating mold memberspivotallymounted on said frame to swing into and outof cboperative relation with the pulp receiving members, a rigid.

backing mounted behind the frame in its upper position, a floating wedge member seated on the rigid backing during the downward movement and upon the mold-carrying .frame during the final-portion of the upward movement thereof, a series of compressors acting independently to force the re-' spective mold members together against the rigid backing during the final portion of the upward movement of the mold-carrying frame. Y 19. In an apparatus of the class described links extending therefrom to the corresponding ends 'of the frame, means for preventing endwise movement of the-driving shaft, and

means for adjusting the longitudinal posi-' lawn of the driving shaft and preventing endwise movement thereof. v

21. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold-carrying frame'mounted thereover, a vacuum hose extending through thevatand connected to the said frame, whereby upon the vertical movement of the frame the pulp in the vat is agitated by the hose.

22. In an apparatus of the class described, a vertically movable mold-carrying frame, pulp receiving mold members mounted thereon, coiiperating mold members pivoted thereto to swing into andout of cooperative relation with the pulp receiving mold members, the said cooperating mold members dis-- charging thearticles carried thereby when in outwardly swung position, a transferring devicecomprising'an arm swinging in a vertical plane and having its receiving position directly beneath the discharging position of the swinging mold members, and a conveyor -to receive the articles from the transferring device.

23. In an apparatus of the class described,

a verticallymovablemold-carrying frame,-

pulp receiving mold members mounted thereon, cooperating mold members pivoted there-- to to swing into and-out of cooperative 'relation with the pulp receiving mold members,

a transferring device comprising an armswinging ina vertlcal plane and means for a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold-carry- 1 ing frame mounted thereover,a pulp receiving mold membermounted on said frame, a cooperating mold member pivotally mounted on saidframe to swing into and out of cooperation with the pulp receiving mold member, the said mold members being providedwith a perforated face and a chamber behind said face, flexible connections eXtend ing from-said frame respectively to a source of vacuum and a source of compressed air,

port members carried by saidframe and pro vided .with ports connecting respectively with said chambers and the said vacuum and compressed air connections, rotary, valve members cooperating with said port members, a vertical shaft 'mounted in said frame.

I and carrying the saidvalve members, and

crank arms carried by the transverse shafts,

causing the said arm to move in coerdination with the cooperating mold members when in the lower portion of'their traveLwhereby' the transferring device may receive the ar} ticles from the cooperatingmold. members during the lower portion of their travel.

24:. In an apparatus of the class described,-

a mold member having a curvilinear oscillatv 4 ing movement, a transferring devlce 08011- lating in the plane of movement of said mold I member and means for giving a curvilinear movement to theend of the transferring de; vice in coordination with a portion of the movement of the said mold member, whereby the article .on the mold member may be dischargedto the transferring device-during the coerdinated movements thereof.

, 25. In an apparatus of the class described,

a mold comprising two members, means to.

move the said mold members into and put of coiiperative relation, means to deposit a layer of pulp upon one mold member, means to bring the mold members together to'compress the pulp thus deposited, mean'sto sepa rate the mold: members, means to transfer the compressed layer of pulp to the second mold member, a horizontally arranged receivingdevice havingits rece vlng positlon outside 'the path ofmovement of the vfirstmold member, means to carry the second mold member into a position over the receiving device at its receiving position, and means to eject the pulp article from the second mold member onto the receiving device.

26. An apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a mold comprising two members,

means to move the said mold members into andcut of cooperative relation, means to deposit a layer of pulp upon one mold member, means to bring the mold members together to compress the pulp thus deposited,

means-to separate the mold members, means to transfer the compressed. layer of pulp to the second mold member, a receiving device having'its receiving position outside the path pf movement of the first mold member and exterior of the vat, means tocarry the second mo'ld member into a position over the receiving device at its receiving position and means to eject the pulp article from the second mold member onto. the receiving device.

27. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a mold comprising two members, a compressing device, a receiving device hav-. ing its receiving position exterior to the vat, compressed air and vacuum connections to each mold member, means for controlling theaction of the compressed air and vacuum whereby a layer of pulp is sucked onto. the first'mold member and transferred therefrom to the second mold member and discharged from the second mold member to the I receiving device, means for operating the mold members to cause one mold member to enter the pulp vat to receive the layer of pulp thereon, means for bringing the said mold members into the compressing device,

and means acting upon the withdrawal of the said mold members from the compressing device to' carry the cooperating mold tion of the driving shaft and preventing endwise movement thereof.

29. In an'apparatus of the class described, a movable mold carrying frame, a driving shaftmotmted parallel'to said frame, a pair of cranks located one at each end of the frame, connections between the said shaft and the said cranks for causing the simultaneous rotation of the cranks in opposite directions, llnks extending from the cranks to the corresponding ends of the frame, a drum rlgidly secured to the shaft, plates mounted at each side of the drum and means for adusting the said plates longitudinally of the shaft whereby the longitudinal position of the driving shaft maybe adjusted and end- Wise movement. thereof prevented.

30. In an apparatus of the class described,

a pulp vat, a mold carrying frame mounted to move therein, a flexible conduit extending through the vat and connected to the said frame, whereby upon the movement of .the frame the pulp in the vat is agitated by the conduit.

31. In an apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a vertically movable mold carrying frame mounted thereover, a flexible conduit extending through the vat for connection to an exterior fluid supply and connected to the said frame and coiled inthe' vat between its connection with the frame and its point of entrance to the vat, whereby upon the vertical movement of the frame the pulp in the vat is agitated by the conduit.

32. in an apparatus of the class described, a mold member .havinga curvilinear oscillating movement, an oscillating transferring device and means for giving a curvilinear movement to the end of the transferring device in coordination with a portion of the movement of the 'said mold member, Whereby the article on the mold member may be discharged to the transferring device. during the coiirdinate'd movements thereof.

' .33. In an apparatus of the class described, a mold member having a curvilinear oscillating movement, a slidable support,.a transferring device pivoted on said support, and means for sliding said support. and swing ng said transferring device thereon to give a curvilinear movement to the end of the transferring device In coordination, witha portion of the movement of the said mold member,

whereby the arti'cle on the mold member may be discharged to the transferring device during the coordinated movements thereof,

34:. In an apparatus of the class described,

a mold member, a swinging link to the end of which the mold member is pivoted, means for swinging the mold member about. its"- pivot during the swinging movement of the link, an oscillating transferring device and means for giving a movement to. the end of the transferring device in coordination with aportion of the movement of said mold member, Whereby the article on the mold member may be discharged to the transferring device during the coordinated move- -.ments thereof. 35. In an apparatus of the class described,

an oscillating transferring device, a source bf fluid su ply and a flexi-ble conduitcon- 1 nected with said sourcevofffiuid 'supply' and "required the said 'conduit'to afsouree' fof;

the transferring devices I 36. In an apparatus ofthe-classdescribed,

a sliding support, a transferring device piv- .otally mounted-on, saidsliding! support, j

means for sliding said support and swinging said transferring device thereon, a, flexible condu1t;connect1on extending to said transferring device and-means: for connecting as either vacuum or comp'ressedain 37. In anj apparatus of' he classdescribed',

5 on the rigid backingduring the movement thereof, and means for pressing the mold and upon the mold carrying;frame; 'during the' final'portion of the upper.move'ment members together acting through saidframe and wedged against said backing.

38. In -.1napparatus.ofthe class described,

a vertically movable mold cz'irryingframe, a l'lgld baek1 ng, means for press ng the frame toward the backing during movecarrying frame rectilinear.

39. In an apparatus of the,classidescribed,

a vertically movable mold carrying fframe, a r gid backlng, means for press ng the'frame toward the backing durmg' its movement, a

- floating wedge member located-'between'said backmg and sad frame and acting to mamtain:the line of reciprocation of the mold ;.carr ying frame rectilinear'during-the action of the pressing means.

40. In an apparatusof the class described,

' a vertically movablemold carrying frame,a

rigid backing,'means for pressing the frametoward the backing during its movement, a

floating wedge member located between said backing and said-frame and acting to maintain the line of reciprocation of the mold carrying frame rectilinear during the action of the pressing means, and means for ad ust- .ingthe. extent or movement of said wedge.

41. In an' apparatus of the class described, a pulp vat, a receiving device at one side thereof, horizontally arranged fixed and movable abut'ments located respectively above the vat and the receiving device, a; mold member, and means for reclprocating. Qitin' a vertical path between the pulp vat and the said fixed abutment, a cooperating mold f member p'i'votedto said'first mold member, a w'li'nk pivoted '.to'the movable abutment and 'to'the cooperating mold member, -and means for; exerting pressure upon the movable abutment when the said link and mold mem ber; are in line between the abutments, and means for ad] ustlng the degree ofsaid pressure.

42. In anLapparatus of the class described,

a, suitable ffram e ,Work,-a mold carrying 1 frame mounted to; move longitudim lly in said frame work, a two-partjshz'tft, onepart mounted. to rotate in 'and [slide with said mold carryingframe, the other part mounted to rotate and slide in said-frame work,

and a connection between said-shaft parts to permit said movements when the ali-nement of the shaft parts vanes.

43. In an apparatus of the class described,

- a suitable framework, a mold carrying frame mounted to move longitudinally in said frame work, atwo-part shaft, one part .mounted to rotate in and slide with said mold carrying frame, the other part mounted to rotate and slide in said frame work,

and a connection between said shaft parts 1 to permit said movements when the'alinement, and means for automatically main taining the line of reciprocation of the moldmcnt ofithe shaft parts varies, valve mechanism carried by-the mold carrying frame a perforated face and a chamber behind said face, flexible connections extending from v said frame respectively to a source of vacuum and a source of compressed air, port members carried by said frame and provided with orts connectingrespectively with said cham'ers and'the said vacuum and com- 1 pressed air connections, rotary -valve'mem- 'receiving mold member 1 bers, a-shaft mounted in saidframe and-can rying the said valve members, and means for Intestimony whereof, I' have signed my nameto this specificatiomin the presence of V two subscribing'w-itnesses.

rotating said shaft during the longitudinal movement of the frame. v v 

